The recent judgment by a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court regarding the abrogation of Article 370 and the creation of the Union Territory of Ladakh marks a pivotal moment in Indian legal and political history. This much-anticipated decision addresses a batch of petitions challenging the central government’s move to revoke Article 370 in 2019. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the top 10 updates on the Supreme Court’s order:

1. Upholding Abrogation of Article 370

The Supreme Court unequivocally upheld the central government’s decision to abrogate Article 370, asserting that Jammu & Kashmir possesses no internal sovereignty distinct from other states in the country. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, along with Justices Gavai and Surya Kant, emphasized the applicability of all provisions of the Indian Constitution to Jammu & Kashmir.

2. Creation of Ladakh as a Union Territory

The five-judge bench also affirmed the government’s authority to carve out the Union Territory of Ladakh from the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir. This decision redefines the administrative map of the region.

3. Directive on Assembly Elections and Statehood Restoration

The Chief Justice-led bench directed the central government to conduct assembly elections in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir by September 30 next year. Simultaneously, they urged the prompt restoration of statehood to J&K.

4. Article 370 as an Interim Arrangement

Chief Justice DY Chandrachud underscored that Article 370 was an interim arrangement necessitated by war conditions in the erstwhile state. He highlighted Jammu & Kashmir’s integral part in India, as evident from Articles 1 and 370. Justice SK Kaul concurred, noting Article 370’s purpose to gradually align the state with other Indian states.

5. Principle of Consultation Not Mandatory

The Chief Justice clarified that the principle of consultation need not be followed during the exercise of presidential power, offering insights into the legal intricacies surrounding constitutional amendments.

6. Legal Challenges and Administrative Stability

CJI Chandrachud cautioned that challenging every decision of the central government could lead to administrative standstill, emphasizing the need for stability in state administration.

7. Temporariness of Article 370

The court affirmed the temporary nature of Article 370, referencing the proclamation of the Maharaja and the textual reading that indicates its interim character due to war conditions.

8. Pronouncement of Judgments

The Supreme Court bench assembled at 10:56 am to pronounce three separate and concurring judgments. Justices Kaul and Khanna wrote their judgments separately, demonstrating the complexity and diversity of perspectives on the matter.

9. Preemptive Measures

Even before the final verdict, there were reports of political leaders like Mehbooba Mufti being put under house arrest, and restrictions on journalists near the residences of Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah. This indicates the high stakes and tensions surrounding the case.

10. Denials by Local Administration

Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the local administration denied the charges of house arrest, asserting that no person had been put under such confinement. This highlights the conflicting narratives and the broader political implications of the verdict.

The Supreme Court’s decision on Article 370 not only validates the government’s constitutional amendments but also sets the stage for significant changes in the region’s political landscape. The directive to conduct elections and restore statehood adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing narrative.